Usman Khawaja has been reprimanded by the ICC for wearing black armbands during the first Australia vs Pakistan Test in Perth last week.
Khawaja was embroiled in controversy over wearing shoes emblazoned with the messages ‘All lives are equal’ and ‘Freedom is a human right’ during training ahead of the first Test in Perth. Ta. He then repeated his protest by wearing a black armband during matches after the ICC stopped viewing these messages.
The ICC has now reprimanded Khawaja for violating dress and equipment regulations.
Khawaja’s original message expressed support for the victims of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. He said these messages are political in nature and that displaying these messages will result in sanctions as the ICC’s rules and regulations regarding dress and equipment prohibit political messages of any kind. He was warned by the ICC.
Ahead of the Test match, Khawaja released an emotional video in which he said he respects the ICC’s decision but vowed to continue fighting for the cause. On the morning of the test, he stepped out to bat wearing a black armband and his daughters’ names on his shoes.
Thank you to all those who supported and gave me love this week. It wasn’t unnoticed đź’•. Nothing worthwhile is easy. History shows we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our past. But together we can fight for a better future. 🙏🏾 #freedomisahumanright #alllivesareequal pic.twitter.com/HAhbebDbCT
– Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) 18. December 2023
The ICC has not taken any action against Mr. Khawaja but reprimanded him today (December 21). Protocol states that players must obtain approval from the home committee and the ICC to wear the black armband, but Khawaja did not do so.
“Usman Khawaja has been charged with violating Article F of the Clothing and Equipment Rules, which can be found on the ICC’s Conditions of Play page.”Sanctions for breaching the Rules can be found in Appendix 2. ,” an ICC spokesperson said. .
“Usman displayed a personal message (armband) during the first Test match against Pakistan without first obtaining permission to display it from Cricket Australia and the ICC, as required by the Personal Messages Rules. ” This is a category violation. “Other violations” and the sanction for the first violation is reprimand. ”
The ICC’s clothing and equipment rules state that personal messages displayed by players appear to be political in nature and are likely to be prohibited. “If the purpose of the message appears to be commemorative in nature (e.g., the use of black attire, armbands or poppies) or for a charitable purpose (e.g., to raise funds or for a non-political charitable purpose) If your message appears to show support for a particular government, political party, or individual, your message is likely to be banned.
It remains to be seen how Khawaja will react to the rebuke and whether he will continue to wear the black armband for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
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